Integrated Control Measures Research Articles

Control of Alternaria leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata on sunflower using fungicides and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Recent sunflower disease surveys in the major production fields of South Africa reported Alternaria alternata (Fries) Kiessler as the main causal agent of Alternaria leaf blight (ALB). The economic impact of ALB caused by A. alternata on sunflower in South Africa is unknown and there are currently no fungicide treatments registered for its control. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of five fungicides and one biological control agent (Integral® Pro, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) as seed treatments, and three spray fungicides to control ALB on sunflower over three sunflower growing seasons (2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16). Alternaria leaf blight developed as early as three weeks after emergence in field trials, suggesting seed transmission of the pathogen. Alternaria leaf blight severity negatively correlated with 1000-seed weight (r = −0.33). Seed-borne A. alternata was significantly reduced in the field by treating seeds with Celest® XL and Dynasty® CST. Integral® Pro showed potential for future use as part of an integrated control measure for ALB of sunflower. Abacus® and Amistar® TOP were the most effective spray fungicides in reducing ALB disease severity. As ALB of sunflower has numerous possible sources of inoculum such as wind-blown inoculum, infected seed and plant debris, control should include various approaches. In this study the use of strobilurin-based fungicide seed treatments and spray fungicides both reduced ALB disease severity and also delayed sunflower leaf senescence.

Current status of tropical theileriosis in Northern Africa: A review of recent epidemiological investigations and implications for control.

Tropical theileriosis caused by the apicomplexan hemoparasite Theileria annulata is a tick-borne disease that constraints livestock production in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Four Hyalomma tick species transmit T. annulata in at least eight Africa countries (Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia). The two dominant T. annulata vector ticks present in Africa, H. scupense and H. anatolicum, underlie two different patterns of transmission, which in turn greatly influence the epidemiology of tropical theileriosis. H. dromedarii and H. lusitanicum are also capable of transmitting T. annulata in North Africa, but their roles are associated with specific production systems and agro-ecological contexts. The emergence of resistance to the most widely used theilericidal compound, buparvaquone, continues to limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In addition, acaricide use is increasingly becoming unsustainable. Deployable T. annulata attenuated live vaccines established from local strains in Tunisia, Sudan and Egypt are available, and recent work has indicated that these vaccines can be protective under conditions of natural transmission. However, vaccination programmes may vary over space and time due to differences in the prevalence of disease amongst cattle populations, as well seasonal variation in vector activity. We review recent descriptive and analytical surveys on the epidemiology of T. annulata infection with reference to (a) demographic aspects such as breeds and ages of cattle herds previously exposed to distinct T. annulata infection pressures and (b) seasonal dynamics of tick activity and disease transmission. We then discuss how the wider endemic patterns that we delineate can underpin the development and execution of future vaccination programmes. We also outline options for integrated control measures targeting tick vectors and husbandry practices.

Evaluation of fluopyram for the control of Ditylenchus dipsaci in sugar beet.

Fluopyram, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide, has shown potential in controlling Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchus reniformis in tomato. The effectiveness of this compound for the control of Ditylenchus dipsaci in sugar beet was evaluated. In this study, laboratory, growth chamber, glasshouse, and field experiments were conducted. In a motility bioassay, the EC50 value was determined with 3.00 μg/ml a.i. after 72 h exposure to fluopyram. The growth chamber experiment did not show any effects on D. dipsaci penetration rate; however, field experiments revealed a positive effect of fluopyram applied at planting in reducing D. dipsaci infectivity. The glasshouse experiment confirmed a limited effect of fluopyram on D. dipsaci population development. Under field conditions, despite a reduction of D. dipsaci penetration rates in spring, fluopyram was not effective in reducing the population development until harvest. Consequently, D. dipsaci densities in plant tissue and soil were high at harvest and not different among treatments. However, root-rot symptoms were significantly reduced at harvest. Fluopyram applied at planting showed good potential to reduce root-rot symptoms caused by D. dipsaci in sugar beet. However, for the long-term reduction of nematode populations in soil, further integrated control measures are needed to reduce the risks of substantial yield losses by D. dipsaci.

Sandfly fauna and ecological analysis of Phlebotomus orientalis and Phlebotomus martini in the lowland foci of visceral leishmaniasis in Somali Regional State, southeast Ethiopia

Objective: To identify the sandfly fauna and analyze ecology of sandfly vector(s) of visceral leishmaniasis in three districts of Somali Regional State, southeast Ethiopia. Methods: Sandflies were collected from four sampling habitats, including indoor, peri-domestic, farm field and mixed forest using light and sticky traps in July 2016, and February and April 2017 in Liben and Dawa zones in the Somali Regional State, southeastern Ethiopia. Results: In total, 4 367 sandfly specimens, belonging to 12 species (three Phlebotomus spp. and nine Sergentomyia spp.) were identified. Phlebotomus (P.) heischi, P. orientalis, and P. martini constituted 45.7%, 31.1%, and 23.1% of the sandfly collection, respectively. There were significant differences in the median number of P. orientalis, and P. martini captured per CDC trap/night between the three sampling districts (P Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the presence of P. orientalis and P. martini are probable vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in this new focus. The findings of our study will improve the understanding of the dynamics of visceral leishmaniasis transmission and will facilitate the implementation of integrated disease control measures based on ecological knowledge of visceral leishmaniasis vector in Liben and Dawa zones and its surrounding regions.

The Burden of Multiple Intestinal Helminthes among Primary School Children in Doma, Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections have always been an important public health problem in the tropics particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria for example. A cross-sectional survey involving 440 schools going children of both sexes aged 6 - >12 years was conducted in 4 primary schools at a different location in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between September 2015 to February 2016 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Of the 440 samples examined 155 (35.22%) were infected with different intestinal parasites. The parasites observed included Entamoeba histolytica (6.59%), bookworm (5.22%), Ascaris lumbricoides (53.40%), Trichuris trichiuria (0.45%), E. coli (4.77%) and mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm (7.27%) with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest prevalence. Doma south primary school 38 (34.54) Islamiyya nursery/primary school and Doma west primary school had the lowest prevalence with 36 (32.72%) and 34 (30.90%) respectively. An overall prevalence of (35.22%) intestinal parasitic infection in school going children is moderately high and of public health concern. There is need to intensified integrated control measure to reduce or completely eradicate the intestinal parasitic infection in school pupils.

Effect of Water Bodies Lining on the Efficacy of Molluscicides Against Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails with Emphasis to their Integrated Control Measures

Effect of Water Bodies Lining on the Efficacy of Molluscicides Against Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails with Emphasis to their Integrated Control Measures

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of enteric bacterial pathogens in human and non-human sources in an urban informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa

BackgroundIn light of rampant childhood diarrhoea, this study investigated bacterial pathogens from human and non-human sources in an urban informal settlement.Meat from informal abattoirs (n = 85), river water (n = 64), and diarrheic stool (n = 66) were collected between September 2015 and May 2016. A duplex real-time PCR, gel-based PCR, and CHROMagar™STEC were used to screen Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) for diarrheic E. coli. Standard methods were used to screen for other selected food and waterborne bacterial pathogens.ResultsPathogens isolated from stool, meat, and surface water included Salmonella enterica (6, 5, 0%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (9, 0, 17%), Aeromonas sobria (3, 3, 0%), Campylobacter jejuni (5, 5, 0%), Shigella flexneri (17, 5, 0%), Vibrio vulnificus (0, 0, 9%), and diarrheic E. coli (21, 3, 7%) respectively. All the isolates were resistant to trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole.ConclusionsThere was a high burden of drug resistant diarrheal pathogens in the stool, surface water and meat from informal slaughter. Integrated control measures are needed to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of drug resistant pathogens in similar settings.

Comorbidity of intestinal helminthiases among malaria outpatients of Wondo Genet health centers, southern Ethiopia: implications for integrated control

BackgroundIt is estimated that over a third of the world population is infected by malaria and helminthiases mainly among communities with high poverty indices. The distribution of these parasitic infections overlaps in many epidemiological settings and have varying outcomes in the host. In this paper we report the prevalence of malaria and intestinal helminthiases coinfections among malaria suspected patients and the association of helminthiases with the occurrence of malaria and its outcomes in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2009 to July 2010 in Kella, Aruma and Busa Health Centers in Wondo Genet, a total of 427 consenting febrile patients were screened for malaria and intestinal helminths infections. Malaria parasite detection and quantification were done using Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films. Helminth infections were screened and quantified by Kato-Katz thick smear method. Haemoglobin level was assessed using haemocue machine (HemoCue HB 201+). Difference in proportions and means were tested by Student’s t test and ANOVA while logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between variables.ResultsOf the total examined, 196 (45.90%) were positive for at least one helminth infection while 276 (64.64%) were positive for malaria. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections were 47.31 and 16.62%, respectively. The most common helminth parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.96%), Trichuris trichiura (21.55%), Schistosoma mansoni (13.35%), and hookworms (6.79%). The overall malaria-helminthiases coinfection was 33.96%. The prevalence of anaemia was 43.12%. Helminthiases coinfection showed a positive correlation with the occurrence of malaria (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.44–3.28; P < 0.001). Schistosoma mansoni coinfection was associated with the increased risk of developing malaria associated anaemia (OR = 14.4, 95% CI: 1.37–150.80; P = 0.026).ConclusionMalaria and helminth coinfections are important causes of morbidities among the population in Wondo Genet necessitating integrated control measures. Nevertheless, further detailed studies on the consequences and pathogenesis of these coinfections are needed to institute sound control and intervention measures.

A high-intensity cluster of Schistosoma mansoni infection around Mbita causeway, western Kenya: a confirmatory cross-sectional survey

In Kenya, communities residing along the shores and islands of Lake Victoria bear a substantial burden of schistosomiasis. Although there is a school-based deworming program in place, the transmission of Schistosoma mansoni varies even at a fine scale. Given the focal nature of schistosomes’ transmission, we aim to identify areas with high intensity of S. mansoni infection in Mbita, Homabay County, western Kenya, for prioritized integrated control measures. Our findings confirm a high intensity of S. mansoni infection cluster around Mbita causeway. While the current efforts to curtail morbidity due to schistosomiasis through preventive chemotherapy in schools are crucial, fine-scale mapping of risk areas is necessary for specific integrated control measures.

Seasonal variation and persistence of tungiasis infestation in dogs in an endemic community, Bahia State (Brazil): longitudinal study.

Tungiasis is a zoonosis neglected by authorities, health professionals, and affected populations. Domestic, synanthropic, and sylvatic animals serve as reservoirs for human infestation, and dogs are usually considered a main reservoir in endemic communities. To describe the seasonal variation and the persistence of tungiasis in dogs, we performed quarterly surveys during a period of 2years in a tourist village in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia State, known to be endemic for tungiasis. Prevalence in dogs ranged from 62.1% (43/66) in August 2013 to 82.2% (37/45) in November 2014, with no significant difference (p = 0.06). The prevalence of infestation remained high, regardless of rainfall patterns. Of the 31 dogs inspected at all surveys, period prevalence was 94% (29/31; 95% CI 79.3-98.2%) and persistence of infestation indicator [PII] was high (median PII = 6 surveys, q1 = 5, q3 = 7). Dogs < 1year of age had a higher mean prevalence of 84.5%, as compared with 69.3% in the older dogs. No significant difference was found between the risk of infestation and age or sex (p = 0.61). Our data indicate that canine tungiasis persisted in the area during all periods of the year. The seasonal variation described in human studies from other endemic areas was not observed, most probably due to different rainfall patterns throughout the year. The study has important implications for the planning of integrated control measures in both humans and animal reservoirs, considering a One Health approach.

Threshold Dynamics and Bifurcation of a State-Dependent Feedback Nonlinear Control Susceptible–Infected–Recovered Model1

A classic susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model with nonlinear state-dependent feedback control is proposed and investigated in which integrated control measures, including vaccination, treatment and isolation, are applied once the number of the susceptible population reaches a threshold level. The interventions are density dependent due to limitations on the availability of resources. The existence and global stability of the disease-free periodic solution (DFPS) are addressed, and the threshold condition is provided, which can be used to define the control reproduction number Rc for the model with state-dependent feedback control. The DFPS may also be globally stable even if the basic reproduction number R0 of the SIR model is larger than one. To show that the threshold dynamics are determined by the Rc, we employ bifurcation theories of the discrete one-parameter family of maps, which are determined by the Poincaré map of the proposed model, and the main results indicate that under certain conditions, a stable or unstable interior periodic solution could be generated through transcritical, pitchfork, and backward bifurcations. A biphasic vaccination rate (or threshold level) could result in an inverted U-shape (or U-shape) curve, which reveals some important issues related to disease control and vaccine design in bioengineering including vaccine coverage, efficiency, and vaccine production. Moreover, the nonlinear state-dependent feedback control could result in novel dynamics including various bifurcations.

The burden and epidemiology of polyparasitism among rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria

Parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among underprivileged communities in developing countries including Nigeria. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of polyparasitism (multiple parasitic infections) among rural communities in Kano State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 551 individuals were screened for the presence of intestinal, urogenital and blood parasites by using different diagnostic techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, household and behavioural characteristics were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 84.0% (463/551) of the participants were found to be infected with at least one parasite species, with 51.2% (282/551) of them having polyparasitism. The most prevalent parasites were Plasmodium falciparum (60.6%) followed by Blastocystis sp. (29.2%) and hookworm (15.4%). No significant association was found between malaria and helminth infections (p>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of other family members who had intestinal polyparasitism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.12; 95% CI=2.72, 6.24), walking barefoot outside (AOR=1.70; 95% CI=1.09, 2.63) and being male (AOR=1.74; 95% CI=1.14, 2.66) were the significant risk factors of intestinal polyparasitism among the population studied. Polyparasitism is highly prevalent among rural communities in Kano State. Therefore, effective, sustainable and integrated control measures should be identified and implemented to significantly reduce the burden and consequences of these infections in rural Nigeria.

The State‐Dependent Impulsive Model with Action Threshold Depending on the Pest Density and Its Changing Rate

Whether the integrated control measures are applied or not depends not only on the current density of pest population, but also on its current growth rate, and this undoubtedly brings challenges and new ideas to the state control measures that only rely on the pest density. To address this, utilizing the tactics of IPM, we constructed a Lotka‐Volterra predator‐prey system with action threshold depending on the pest density and its changing rate and examined its dynamical behavior. We present new criteria guaranteeing the existence, uniqueness, and global stability of periodic solutions. With the help of Lambert W function, the Poincaré map is constructed for the phase set, which can help us to provide the satisfactory conditions for the existence and stability of the semitrivial periodic solution and interior order‐1 periodic solutions. Furthermore, the existence of order‐2 and nonexistence of order‐k(k ≥ 3) periodic solutions are discussed. The idea of action threshold depending on the pest density and its changing rate is more general and can generate new remarkable directions as well compared with those represented in earlier studies. The analytical techniques developed in this paper can play a significant role in analyzing the impulsive models with complex phase set or impulsive set.

Population dynamics of early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen on sugarcane as influenced by weather conditions

A field experiment on population dynamics of early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen on sugarcane was carried out during 2016-17 crop season at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal. Studies on population dynamics revealed thathighest incidence (3.81 per cent in CoH 160, 4.60 per cent in CoH 119 and 3.12 per cent in CoS 767) of C. infuscatellus was recorded during 24th SMW. Correlation of C. infuscatellus population with various environmental factors revealed that there was a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (Tmax.) and had a non-significant and positive correlation with minimum temperature (Tmin.) and sun shine hours (SSH) (r= 0.513, 0.287 and 0.452) on CoH 160, (r= 0.504, 0.321 and 0.431) on CoH 119 and(r= 0.537, 0.276 and 0.445) on CoS 767, respectively whereas it has non-significant and negative correlation with relative humidity (morning), relative humidity (evening) andrainfall (r= -0.172, -0.206 and -0.147) on CoH 160, (r= -0.147, -0.172 and -0.130) on CoH 119 and(r= -0.187, -0.223 and -0.160) on CoS 767. Multiple regression analysis of C. infuscatellus population with weather parameters showed that there was 77 per cent (CoH 160), 75 per cent (CoH 119) and 76 per cent (CoS767) variability in dead heart formation due to various environmental factors. The population dynamics revealed by this study have far reaching significance in pest management strategy as integrated control measures may be focused only during the period wherein population exceeds economic threshold level (ETL).

A study on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue among hospitalized patients from Northern Sri Lanka

Introduction and Objectives Dengue fever is recognized as one of the major vector borne diseases and causes significant morbidity in tropical countries. Thus, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of the population is of great importance to improve integrated control measures. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices relating to dengue fever in 200 consecutive inward patients treated as having dengue fever in two medical units of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive comparative study was carried out among dengue patients in two medical units of Teaching Hospital, Jaffna from January 2017 to April 2017. Dengue patients were recruited by convenient sampling, interviewed with validated questionnaires to assess their knowledge about dengue fever. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21) analytical package. Results Awareness that dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes was shown by 97% of respondents. The Media was an important tool to gain information about dengue. Among students, schools played a key role in conveying health information. More than 90% of the study population exhibited health seeking behavior and the majority used paracetamol as a home remedy. Practices regarding preventive methods were predominantly for prevention of mosquito bites in the form of using nets (46%) and mosquito coils (34%), rather than elimination of breeding sites. Conclusions Significant association was found between knowledge about dengue fever and educational level. Although knowledge regarding mosquito control measures was 80%, this knowledge of preventive measures was not demonstrable in practice. A change in the approach of the health education program should be focused based on these findings for effective prevention. program should be focused based on these findings for effective prevention.

Resistance to monepantel in multiresistant gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep flocks in Rio Grande do Sul

The excessive, indiscriminate, and continued use of anthelmintic drugs as control methods favors parasite resistance, and this phenomenon has been reported in Brazil and worldwide. The current status of parasite resistance to anthelmintic drugs in sheep flocks in Rio Grande do Sul was assessed by calculating the EPG count in the stool to estimate the prevalence of resistance to the anthelmintic drugs closantel, levamisole, fenbendazole, monepantel, and moxidectin in seven properties. The animals from each flock were randomly distributed in six groups according to the anthelminthic drug used, as follows: T1, levamisole; T2, fenbendazole; T3, monepantel; T4, moxidectin; T5, closantel; and T6, control. On day zero, fecal samples were collected, and each animal was treated with one anthelminthic drug. Fecal samples were collected again after 14 days to calculate the efficacy of each active principle. Coproculture was performed using a pool of fecal samples from each group on day 0 and 14 to identify the predominant genera and prevalence of helminths. The genera identified in the coprocultures were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, and Teladorsagia. All flocks developed resistance to levamisole, fenbendazole, moxidectin, and closantel. Moreover, resistance to monepantel was found in four of the seven farms. These results demonstrate the critical situation of anthelmintic resistance in sheep flocks in Rio Grande do Sul and the need to adopt other integrated control measures in addition to anthelmintic treatment.

Hospitalizations and Deaths Associated with Diarrhea and Respiratory Diseases among Children Aged 0⁻5 Years in a Referral Hospital of Mauritania.

Diarrhea and respiratory diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among <5-year-olds worldwide, but systematic data are not available from Mauritania. We conducted a hospital-based retrospective study. Data on admissions to Mauritania’s National Referral Hospital (the main pediatric referral center in the country), due to diarrhea and respiratory diseases, during 2011–2014, were analyzed. A total of 3695 children <5 years were hospitalized during this period; 665 (18.0%) due to respiratory diseases, and 829 (22.4%) due to diarrhea. Case fatality rates in the respiratory diseases and diarrhea groups were 18.0% (120/665) and 14.1% (117/829), respectively. The highest frequency of deaths due to diarrhea occurred in the age group 2–5 years (16/76; 21.0%), and due to respiratory diseases in the age group 6–12 months (32/141; 22.6%). We conclude that case fatality rates caused by respiratory diseases and diarrhea are extremely high in children hospitalized at the National Referral Hospital. These data call for intensified efforts to reduce deaths among hospitalized Mauritanian children, and also for integrated control measures to prevent and reduce the burden of both diseases. Additional studies are needed to show the effectiveness of the introduction of vaccination programs for pneumococcal diseases and rotavirus infection in the child population, which were launched in November 2013 and December 2014, respectively.

Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and Its Intermediate Hosts in Makurdi Metropolis

Introduction: Urinary Schistosomiasis (US) is a chronic water-borne infection caused by digenetic trematode belonging to the genus schistosoma, it is generally caused by Schistosoma haematobium. Bulinus globosus is a species of a tropical freshwater snail that acts as an intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium. Aim: The study was aimed at ascertaining the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and to describe its intermediate hosts among school children in Makurdi.&#x0D; Methodology: Snails were collected by hand picking and scooping net methods. An epidemiological survey research on urinary Schistosomiasis was undertaken from September to November 2017 among students that volunteered in the selected schools within Makurdi metropolis. A total of 97 freshwater snails were collected and 200 urine samples involving pupils aged between 5 to 18 years were collected and analyzed for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium by microscopy using Urine Syringe Filtration Technique (USFT). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20. Chi-square test was used to determine the significant difference between variables.&#x0D; Results: Out of the 97 species of freshwater snails that were caught 41(42.3%) was Bulinus spp. Of the 200 urine samples analyzed, 49(24.5%) were found to be infected with ova of S. haematobium. The infection was higher among males 30(25.6%) than females 19(22.9%) although the difference was not statistically significant (χ2CAL=0.19, χ2TAB=3.84). The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among school children in relation to age showed that ages 15-19 years had the highest prevalence 13(38.2%) and ages 5-9 had the lowest prevalence 3(8.5%). The statistical analysis also revealed that there is no significant difference (8.302) in Schistosoma haematobium infection among the four schools in the study area. The presence of many snail species especially the Bulinus spp and increased contact time with the Schistosoma haematobium infested freshwater habitat was thought to be responsible for the prevalence of the disease in the area. Finding of this study shows that urinary Schistosomiasis was found to have a low prevalence in the area studied and there is the need to intensified integrated control measures to reduce or completely eradicate the disease.

The burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Brazil, 1990-2016: A subnational analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.

BackgroundNeglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are important causes of morbidity, disability, and mortality among poor and vulnerable populations in several countries worldwide, including Brazil. We present the burden of NTDs in Brazil from 1990 to 2016 based on findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016 (GBD 2016).MethodologyWe extracted data from GBD 2016 to assess years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for NTDs by sex, age group, causes, and Brazilian states, from 1990 to 2016. We included all NTDs that were part of the priority list of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 and that are endemic/autochthonous in Brazil. YLDs were calculated by multiplying the prevalence of sequelae multiplied by its disability weight. YLLs were estimated by multiplying each death by the reference life expectancy at each age. DALYs were computed as the sum of YLDs and YLLs.Principal findingsIn 2016, there were 475,410 DALYs (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 337,334–679,482; age-standardized rate of 232.0 DALYs/100,000 population) from the 12 selected NTDs, accounting for 0.8% of national all-cause DALYs. Chagas disease was the leading cause of DALYs among all NTDs, followed by schistosomiasis and dengue. The sex-age-specific NTD burden was higher among males and in the youngest and eldest (children <1 year and those aged ≥70 years). The highest age-standardized DALY rates due to all NTDs combined at the state level were observed in Goiás (614.4 DALYs/100,000), Minas Gerais (433.7 DALYs/100,000), and Distrito Federal (430.0 DALYs/100,000). Between 1990 and 2016, the national age-standardized DALY rates from all NTDs decreased by 45.7%, with different patterns among NTD causes and Brazilian states. Most NTDs decreased in the period, with more pronounced reduction in DALY rates for onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and rabies. By contrast, age-standardized DALY rates due to dengue, visceral leishmaniasis, and trichuriasis increased substantially. Age-standardized DALY rates decreased for most Brazilian states, increasing only in the states of Amapá, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe.Conclusions/SignificanceGBD 2016 findings show that, despite the reduction in disease burden, NTDs are still important and preventable causes of disability and premature death in Brazil. The data call for renewed and comprehensive efforts to control and prevent the NTD burden in Brazil through evidence-informed and efficient and affordable interventions. Multi-sectoral and integrated control and surveillance measures should be prioritized, considering the population groups and geographic areas with the greatest morbidity, disability, and most premature deaths due to NTDs in the country.

Dengue Infection Spectrum in Guangzhou: A Cross-Sectional Seroepidemiology Study among Community Residents between 2013 and 2015.

The majority of dengue virus infections are asymptomatic, which could potentially facilitate the transmission of dengue fever and increase the percentage of sever dengue fever manifestations. This cross-sectional study explored the sero-prevalence of dengue virus infection in Guangzhou to clarify the infection spectrum. In total, 2085 serum samples were collected from residents of 34 communities. All samples were selected from a 200,000-sample database holding serum collected from community residents living in Liwan and Yuexiu districts of Guangzhou between September 2013 and August 2015, and 17 to 28 individuals of each age group were chosen per month. Dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Symptomatic infected individuals were identified via follow-up questionnaires. Among 2085 serum samples, anti-dengue IgG and IgM positive rates were 11.80% and 3.98%, respectively. The IgG antibody positive rate increased with age and was higher in poorly educated people than in highly educated people and in married individuals than in single individuals. Approximately 96.71% of dengue virus infections and an estimated 13.68% of the whole population were asymptomatic. Such high asymptomatic-infection rates have an impact on the local spread of dengue fever. Stricter surveillance, such as a network of rapid diagnostic laboratories, screening of residents in the epidemic season, and other integrated control measures are necessary.